Franco Makes MLB Debut as Kendrick Shuts Down Braves

Following Monday’s combined no-hitter, Kyle Kendrick kept the Brave’s offense in check once again by allowing only three hits in one of his best starts of the season.

Kendrick threw seven innings of shutout baseball while striking out four and walking two against a struggling Brave’s offense, and led the Phillies to their 10th victory in their last 14 games.

Kendrick escaped a couple of jams, most notably in the first inning, which has been the toughest inning for the righty this season. After loading the bases, Kendrick was able to strike out Evan Gattis and Chris Johnson to end the inning.

Kendrick was backed by Carlos Ruiz, who hit his fifth homer of the season and finished with two RBIs. Darin Ruf and September call-up Maikel Franco also contributed RBIs in the win.

Franco, who is the Phillies’ top prospect, is expected to see plenty of playing time at both first and third base during the last month of the season, and is expected to get about 50-60 at-bats.